“That vessel means business, sure,” said one of the pirates to Lafitte. “She has spouted one gun, but now she’s lyin’ to. Better see what’s up.”
“You’re right,” answered the famous sea-rover. “We’ll go off in a boat and look out for what’s going to happen.”
So, starting from the shore, he was soon on his way to the brig, from which a pinnace was lowered, in which could be seen two officers, one of whom had a flag of truce. The two boats rapidly neared each other.
“Where is Mr. Lafitte?” cried one of the Britishers, as the pinnace neared the shore. “I would speak with the Laird of Barrataria.”
But Lafitte was not anxious to make himself known.
“He’s ashore,” said he. “But, if you have communications for him, these I can deliver.”
“Pray, give him these packages, my good man,” spoke the English tar, handing him a bundle of letters, tied up in tarpaulin.
Lafitte smiled.
“I would be delighted to do so,” he replied. “But, pray come ashore and there I will return you your answer after I have seen the great Captain, who is camping about a league inland.”
The Britishers readily assented, and both rowed towards the sandy beach, where a great number of pirates of Barrataria had collected.